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When you refer new travelers to O.A.T. through our Vacation Ambassador Referral Program, you’ll earn $100 per person in your choice of CASH or credit—and the more travelers you refer, the greater the rewards: up to a FREE TRIP. Watch our video to learn how.

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Learn about how you can guarantee your trip price—and save up to 10%—with OAT’s exclusive Good Buy Plan. The earlier you reserve and pay in full by check or electronic funds transfer, the more you'll save.

Multiple Trips within a Year

Many OAT travelers don’t stop at one annual adventure. For those who reserve two or more trips within one calendar year—either with OAT, Grand Circle Cruise Line, Grand Circle Travel, or a combination of the three—we’ve introduced a new Sir Edmund Hillary Club benefit to reward your exceptional passion for discovery.

Group Leader Program

At O.A.T., we strongly believe that word of mouth is our best advertisement. And it works. Just ask the more than 500 Group Leaders who have chosen an O.A.T. adventure for their travelers this year—and traveled FREE! Watch our video to learn how.

Travel Protection Plan

Watch our video to learn about the benefits of our Travel Protection Plan. You can cancel your O.A.T. adventure at any time—up to the day of your departure, and for any reason—and retain the FULL value of your trip, including your deposit.

Adventure Travel

Airport Transfers

We’ve listened to your feedback, and will now offer international airport transfers to and from your hotel to our travelers who choose to purchase their own airfare on OAT adventures as part of our Personalize Your Trip program, which allows you create the OAT adventure that's right for you.

The Leader in Small Group Adventure Travel

With itineraries designed exclusively for experienced American travelers, we’ve been providing indelible travel memories for more than 37 years. Find out what makes OAT the undisputed leader in small group travel along the road less traveled.

Your Air Choices

Now, OAT can help you personalize your air itinerary with a wider array of choices—including your preferred airline, routing, and connection times. After you reserve your adventure, we’ll work with you to ensure your air arrangements meet your specific needs.

Private Adventures

Sir Edmund Hillary Club

Many OAT travelers return to discover the world with us time and time again, and to show our appreciation, we've created the Sir Edmund Hillary Club, a membership rewards program for travelers who've joined us on three or more adventures.

Travel with the “World’s Best”

Over the past 10 years, our travelers and industry experts have given us high marks in independent surveys from Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, and more. When you embark on an O.A.T. adventure, you can expect an award-winning experience.

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Grand Circle Foundation

Alan and Harriet Lewis created the nonprofit Grand Circle Foundation with the mission of changing people’s lives through travel—which includes both the travelers who journey with O.A.T., and the local people who welcome us so warmly into their homelands.

O.A.T. Vice Chairman Harriet Lewis created the Harriet’s Corner online community as a place where travelers can learn and connect. Enjoy stories, trivia, and short films featured in our Inside Scoop e-newsletter … ask and answer questions in our Travel Forum … view issues of our Dispatches quarterly magazine … and much more.

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Arrive early in Johannesburg for a fresh start
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Find the Adventure That’s Right for You

Our Activity Level rating system ranks adventures on a scale of 1 to 5 to help you determine if a trip is right for you. See the descriptions below for more information about the physical requirements associated with each rating.

Activity Level 1:

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Easy

Travelers should be able to climb 25 stairs consecutively, plus walk at least 1-2 miles over some uneven surfaces without difficulty. Walks typically last at least 1-2 hours at a time. Altitude can range from zero to 5,000 feet.

Activity Level 2:

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Moderately Easy

Travelers should be able to climb 40 stairs consecutively, plus walk at least 2-3 miles over some uneven surfaces without difficulty. Walks typically last for at least 2-3 hours at a time. Altitude can range from zero to 5,000 feet.

Activity Level 3:

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Moderate

Travelers should be able to climb 60 stairs consecutively, plus walk at least 3 miles over some steep slopes and loose or uneven surfaces without difficulty. Walks typically last for 3 or more hours at a time. Altitude can range from 5,000 to 7,000 feet.

Activity Level 4:

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Moderately Strenuous

Travelers should be able to climb 80 stairs consecutively, plus walk at least 4 miles over some steep slopes and loose or uneven surfaces without difficulty. Walks typically last for 4 or more hours at a time. Altitude can range from 7,000 to 9,000 feet.

Activity Level 5:

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Strenuous

Travelers should be able to climb 100 or more stairs consecutively, plus walk at least 8 miles over some steep slopes and loose or uneven surfaces without difficulty. Walks typically last for 4 or more hours at a time. Altitude can range from 10,000 feet or more.

Itinerary Overview

From the breathtaking Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park to the majestic Okavango Delta, big game and local cultures await on this incredible safari. Watch elephants drink along the riverbanks in Chobe National Park … learn to track wild rhinoceroses on foot … and see Zambia’s British colonial history on full display in Livingstone … Our small groups stay in small lodges and tented camps, where we easily embark on game-viewing drives with local Trip Leaders who help us spot antelope, giraffe, zebra, and more. We’ll spend our nights exchanging stories around campfires under star-filled African skies, and wake up to the roaring waters of the Zambezi River and birdsong emanating from nearby acacia trees.

Day-to-Day Itinerary

PRE-TRIP EXTENSION:

Thornybush Game Reserve: Quest for Africa's Big 5

4 nights from only $1545

At 34,595 acres, Thornybush is home to more than 500 bird species and 140 species of mammals. This rugged landscape—mostly open savannah, complemented by the beautiful Drakensberg Escarpment in the distance—borders Kruger National Park and is ideal for spotting a rich diversity of game. And because this is a private, isolated reserve, you’ll be able go off-road in search of elusive wildlife without the crowds.

Today, arrive in Johannesburg, South Africa. You will be met and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay. Here, you'll be joined by the people who traveled on our optional Thornybush Game Reserve: Quest for Africa's Big 5 extension.

Day 3

Fly from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls • Overland to Chobe National Park

This morning, we'll fly to Victoria Falls, arriving in the early afternoon. We meet our Trip Leader at the Victoria Falls airport, then drive across the border to Chobe National Park in Botswana. Our total transfer time today is approximately 8 hours. Our lodge gives us access to the eastern side of the park, which offers excellent game viewing, plus the chance to observe wildlife by boat on the Chobe River. After a briefing on our upcoming explorations, we'll enjoy a Welcome Dinner at the lodge this evening.

The next two days are devoted to seeking out game in Chobe National Park, the second-largest (and first-established) national park in the country. This enormous region offers variety in both wildlife and terrain. Riverine forest, flood plains, and mopane are home to large and small game. During the dry season, the Chobe River attracts thousands of animals that congregate on its banks, while hippo and crocodiles are submerged in its waters.

Chobe is home to one of the world's largest elephant populations—the present herd is estimated at 50,000. Elephants gather around baobab trees, drawn by the water stored in their bark. The birdlife here is spectacular, ranging from eagles and bustards to plovers and rollers, and bee-eaters bustle near their sandbank nests. There are also water birds, such as egret, ibis, and heron, along the river.

Our safari days here follow this general pattern: After our morning game-viewing drive, we will spend siesta time quietly during the heat of the day, followed by teatime in the late afternoon. Next we head out for our afternoon game-viewing cruise on the Chobe River. In the evenings, just before sunset, we gather to soak in the magnificent views of the golden sun sinking behind a nearby watering hole. We then sit down to enjoy dinner together by candlelight.

This morning, we'll take another game-viewing drive in Chobe National Park in search of elephant, buffalo, hippo, crocodile, and many other kinds of wildlife. We'll break from our explorations for lunch at our lodge, followed by some time at leisure and tea, before we return for a game-viewing cruise along the Chobe River.

Dinner tonight is a traditional South African braai, similar to our barbecue but more closely connected to the outdoor life, culture, and laid-back lifestyle of southern Africans. We'll cap off the day with a relaxing sundowner with our fellow travelers.

Early this morning, we board a minibus that takes us to Kasane. From here, we catch a light aircraft flight to our next lodge in the Okavango Delta, which is in an area of open grasslands that offers excellent opportunities for spotting wildlife. Our total transfer time today is up to 2 hours. Upon arrival, we'll have a briefing about the lodge and the surrounding area before an afternoon game-viewing drive. Afterwards, you are free to relax until dinner.

This morning, we split into groups and explore the Okavango Delta region on a game-viewing drive in the neighboring savannahs. In the delta, we'll see a stunning variety of birdlife, including the vibrant and rare Wattled Crane and the similarly striking Pygmy Goose (actually a species of duck). Hippos spend the days submerged in local waters, and Sitatunga and Red Lechwe antelope frequent the swamps, as well as dry land. We return to the lodge in time for lunch. We enjoy afternoon tea before departing on another wildlife-viewing excursion. Dinner is back at the lodge tonight.

Today, we continue to explore the Okavango Delta and the neighboring savannah. We'll split into groups and explore the area on two game-viewing drives, one before and one after an included lunch back at camp. This evening, we'll take part in a discussion about the ongoing conflict between humans and wildlife before we gather for dinner.

This morning, we take a one-hour flight by light aircraft to Kasane. We then travel by road and boat to Livingstone, where we'll arrive at our lodging in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park; our transfer time today totals about 4 hours.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is included in the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area, an initiative to link the national parks of five African countries into what will eventually become a 108,000-square-mile park. Its name, which translates to "the smoke that thunders," refers to the stunning Victoria Falls which are located on the park grounds. Situated along the Zambezi River, and occupying just 66 square kilometers, the park offers excellent opportunities for concentrated game-viewing. Being near the river also means our location is favorable for water-based activities including fishing and boat tours. From the decks of our safari-style tented rooms, we can view the beautiful river and the wildlife that it attracts. Antelope, giraffe, zebra, and more, roam the park grounds along with elephants who regularly venture into the park from across the Zambezi River.

After an orientation walk to get familiar with our surroundings, we'll depart this afternoon for a wildlife-viewing cruise along the river. This evening, we'll return to our lodge for dinner as a group.

After breakfast this morning, we'll depart for a guided walking tour through Livingstone. Named in tribute to David Livingstone, the town's first European explorer, Livingstone is well-known for its proximity to Victoria Falls and its late-19th-century British colonial roots. We'll mingle with locals and explore traces of the town's past as we stroll through a local market, witness historic landmarks, and pay a visit to the Livingstone Museum.

This afternoon, we'll return to our lodge for lunch as a group. After we eat, we'll enjoy some time at leisure. Perhaps you'll walk over to Devil's Pool, one of the most dramatic vistas Victoria Falls has to offer, which is only accessible from the Zambian side of the falls. When the conditions are just right, the river flow creates an eddy that butts right up against the edge of a cliff. Though dangerous, daring swimmers sometimes choose to take a dip and float over to the edge of the waterfalls for an exhilarating, and surely unforgettable experience. If you'd rather use this time to rest, don't worry though, as we'll enjoy a more extensive exploration of the falls when we're in Zimbabwe.

Later this afternoon, we'll embark on a rhinoceros tracking excursion by foot, during which our guide will teach us the proper method to locate and observe one of Earth's largest extant species: the rare, endangered Southern White Rhinoceros. We'll return to the lodge this evening where we'll get a better sense of local culture through music, as we enjoy a performance by a Zambian band followed by dinner.

More discoveries await you this morning as we depart after breakfast for Victoria Falls, where we'll explore both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides of the world wonder. After returning to our lodge for lunch, we'll enjoy our final game-viewing opportunities in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park on both a drive and a sundowner cruise along the Zambezi River. We gather for dinner and a campfire again tonight, swapping memories of all we’ve encountered on our explorations in this truly stunning locale.

This morning, after an early breakfast, we drive approximately 5 hours to Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe's largest park. On the way, we'll stop to walk across Victoria Falls Bridge, taking in spectacular views of the falls.

Hwange is home to many diverse habitats, from teak forests to palm islands to vast, savannah plains. Here, you may behold a rich menagerie of game that can include elephant, buffalo, eland, wildebeest, impala, lion, leopard, cheetah, and more than 400 known bird species. This outstanding area of African bush country boasts plentiful wildlife—yet remains relatively "undiscovered." Our camp is located in the eastern section of the park close enough to a watering hole that we may even be able to see game without leaving the lodge. The park is also known for its herds of sable antelope, an elegant animal with large, graceful horns.

In the late afternoon, we'll enjoy a game-viewing drive, followed by dinner at our lodge.

This morning, we'll embark on an early game-viewing drive in the park. We'll return to camp for brunch and time at leisure. Perhaps you'll use the time to explore our surroundings, keeping an eye out for some of the flora and fauna we have learned about.
We journey into the bush once again for our afternoon game-viewing drive before returning to our camp after sundown. We'll enjoy dinner together this evening.

Work side-by-side with locals to find fresh water and prepare sadza (porridge) in a Hwange village.

Today, we experience A Day in the Life of a village near Hwange National Park for a glimpse into the lives of the Zimbabwean people. We’ll visit with students at either the Ziga or the Ngamo school (when in session), supported by Grand Circle Foundation—part of the World Classroom initiative. Then we’ll tour the community with a village elder, share tea with students and their families (when schedule permits), and participate in village activities.

This afternoon, after lunch en route to our lodge, we enjoy another game-viewing drive, offering more chances to observe Hwange’s rich diversity of wildlife.

After breakfast, we take a 5-hour drive to Victoria Falls. Here we visit the largest curtain of water in the world—and one of the world's Seven Natural Wonders. These awe-inspiring cataracts are nearly twice as high as Niagara, one and a half times as wide, and generate three times as much water. On a clear day, you can see the mist sprayed into the air from these crashing waters from more than 50 miles away. At peak flood times, 1.4 billion gallons of water per minute pass over its edge.

At Victoria Falls, we'll explore walking trails and lookout points—each with different views. There are five main cataracts, including the most dramatic, the Main Falls and Devil's Cataract. The flora around the falls is naturally profuse: You'll see ebony, fig trees, and many flowering species. And if we're lucky, we may even spot the rare Livingstone's Turaco, a species of bird native only to southeastern Africa's subtropical region. The rain forest surrounding the falls is particularly lush, fed by Victoria's perpetual spray. (It's a good idea to wrap your camera equipment, cash, and other valuables in plastic.)

If you like, you can join a combination of optional tours including a helicopter ride over Victoria Falls, as well as an orientation walk of the town of Victoria Falls later this morning. Here, you can find local handcrafts, such as the famous Shona stone carvings and a variety of wooden carvings. You'll also find a selection of brilliant African textiles, malachite, basketry, and more. This is one of the places where bartering is appropriate, often expected—and can be great fun. American goods like T-shirts, sweatshirts, and baseball caps with designer logos can be good “currency” here. Socks are an especially sought-after item, so if you have any extras laying around—especially ones with recognizable name brands—make sure to pack them. Please ask your Trip Leader for advice about where else it may be appropriate to barter in this manner.

This evening, we'll enjoy our Farewell Dinner while cruising along the Zambezi River.

Day 17

Fly to Johannesburg • Return to U.S. or begin trip extension

Meals included:B

After breakfast and a discussion about the life of David Livingstone, we drive to the airport and board our flight to Johannesburg.

Both the flight to Cape Town, for travelers continuing on the optional extension, and the flight for those returning home to the U.S., depart later in the afternoon or evening. You will arrive in the U.S. the following day.

POST-TRIP EXTENSION:

Cape Town & The Cape of Good Hope

4 nights from only $1345

With Table Mountain as its backdrop, a bevy of bays at its feet, and the lushest foliage this side of paradise, Cape Town arguably occupies one of the most spectacular natural settings on Earth. Here is your chance to revel in it—and to witness the amazing social transformation of the “Rainbow Nation.”

Join us for a flight over Victoria Falls, and appreciate the “smoke that thunders” from a whole new angle. Aboard a four- or six-passenger helicopter, your experienced pilot will treat you to a bird’s-eye view of majestic Victoria Falls, the wide Zambezi River, and the zigzag-shaped Gorges below. This is the best way to see such vast, impressive landscapes—as Dr. David Livingstone said himself, the falls are “so lovely they must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight.”

Please note: A National Park fee of $15 is not included in the price of this Optional Tour.

Protea Hotel O.R. Tambo

Due to its proximity to O.R. Tambo Airport, the design of the hotel is inspired by an aircraft hangar, with a stylized industrial look that playfully incorporates elements of airplanes into the decor. Located in the Johannesburg suburb of Kempton Park, the hotel offers a shuttle to the nearby metro station and has a pool, bar, restaurant, and health club for your enjoyment. Each of the 213 air-conditioned rooms features satellite TV, wireless high-speed Internet, a safe, coffee- and tea-making facilities and private bath.

In Chobe National Park, we spend three nights at the cozy Chobe River View Lodge, a 30-minute drive from Kasane. Its location just a short distance from the park gives us more time to spend on game-viewing drives. Set directly on the river among landscaped gardens, the lodge offers ten chalets, each with en suite bath. The restaurant, bar, and swimming pool all offer relaxing views of the river.

Located in the Abu Concession area of the Okavango Delta, the Seba Camp includes 8 elevated tents, each with its own en suite bathroom and private deck. The camp features a communal dining area, a bar, and a small swimming pool.

Located on Paradise Island, the Xigera Camp features 9 elevated tents, each one with an en suite bathroom and an outdoor shower. The camp’s amenities include a small plunge pool and a communal bar, lounge, and dining area.

Located less than 10 miles from Victoria Falls, the Toka Leya Camp features 12 safari-style tents overlooking the Zambezi River. Each tent has a deck, and the camp includes an infinity pool, a fire pit, dining area, lounge, and bar.

Situated in the eastern section of Hwange National Park, our campsite offers panoramic views of the open plains, as well as unique birding and game-viewing opportunities. Nearby the lodge is a watering hole that attracts many animals. Each of the ten tents features an en suite shower and toilet. The camp overlooks the Samavundhla Pan and is set in a stand of teak trees. The camp also features a lounge, library, and dining area.

Rainbow Hotel

The Rainbow Hotel is situated less than a mile from Victoria Falls and just a short walk from the town center. The hotel offers an on-site restaurant with a live marimba band, and 88 rooms with coffee- and tea-making facilities, air-conditioning, and private balconies. The hotel also has a pool with a bar, a barbecue pit, and a rooftop bar with views of Victoria Falls.

Due to its proximity to O.R. Tambo Airport, the design of the hotel is inspired by an aircraft hangar, with a stylized industrial look that playfully incorporates elements of airplanes into the decor. Located in the Johannesburg suburb of Kempton Park, the hotel offers a shuttle to the nearby metro station and has a pool, bar, restaurant, and health club for your enjoyment. Each of the 213 air-conditioned rooms features satellite TV, wireless high-speed Internet, a safe, coffee- and tea-making facilities and private bath.

Chapungu Tented Camp features a sparkling rock pool and large viewing deck overlooking the bushveld within Thornybush Game Reserve. Each tented room comes with air conditioning, mosquito nets, and a private en suite bathroom.

Jackalberry Lodge

Located within Thornybush Game Reserve, Jackalberry Lodge provides spectacular views of the Drakensberg Mountains and is ideal for big game viewing. Each room is decorated with rustic South African touches and comes with air conditioning, a private patio, a tea and coffee station, mosquito nets, and a safe. On-site amenities include a swimming pool, library, curio shop, and an open-air dining area.

Located in the heart of Cape Town, the Adderley is an historic property just a short walk to the Company Gardens, Parliament, the Cultural History Museum, and the Castle of Good Hope. Each of the 27 spacious rooms here includes a private bath, safe, hair dryer, TV, telephone, coffee- and tea-making facilities as well as a restaurant that offers inspired Mediterranean cuisine made with fresh ingredients, including vegetables from the hotel’s rooftop garden.

This hotel sits on Cape Town’s popular and historic Green Market Square, in the Central Business District. Here, you’ll find stalls selling handmade goods, from art to clothing, as well as nearby cafes and restaurants. You may also choose to relax in the hotel’s rooftop pool or on-site restaurant. Each of the 165 air-conditioned rooms comes equipped with safe, hair dryer, satellite TV, telephone, and coffee- and tea-making facilities.

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If you have any additional travel questions, schedule a call with our expert Travel Counselors at a time that’s convenient for you. Simply, fill out the form to the right. You can schedule your call up to seven days in advance of your preferred time frame. Please indicate which trip, departure, or type of question you have in the comments section.

Our Adventure Specialists are ready to answer any questions you have about your reservation—simply complete the form to the right to get started. A member of our Traveler Support Department will contact you by your preferred method to answer your questions about topics including: